Andy Robertson opens up on his new role in the Liverpool tactical setup under Jurgen Klopp
Speaking to the club’s official website, Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has opened up on his role as the Reds adopt a tactical reshuffle following a difficult season.
The Reds have largely adopted a 4-3-3 setup or one of its variations under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. While this has brought us much success, rivals have also adapted to it and have largely found us out this season.
Klopp has therefore had to come up with a solution. The German has taken to deploying his men in a variation of a 3-4-3 formation of late and has come out with flying colours. With seven Premier League wins on the trot, Liverpool have an outside chance of securing UEFA Champions League football.
A major facet of Liverpool’s success has been their deployment of dual attack-minded full-backs. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is largely playing as a midfielder of sorts, Robertson has had to cut back on his attacking tendencies to maintain the club’s defensive shape.
Robertson has to his credit adapted to the demands and is impressive in the new role. He is keen to be a team player and is willing to take the hit in order to help the team thrive.
“It’s different, maybe a little bit more conservative. Obviously previously maybe we’re used to being more high and wide and offering runs in behind and kind of things like that, but we have obviously tweaked the system a little bit and sometimes you have to make sacrifices and you have to adapt your role a little bit.”
As the defender with the most assists in Premier League history, Robertson does at times find it difficult to curb his natural instincts. He remains keen to get forward where possible and has become more aware of timing such runs, without risking leaving the defence unattended.
“I still try to get involved in attacks, I still want to overlap my winger and things like that but I just need to pick and choose my moments.”
Blessed with pace and excellent crossing ability, shacking Robertson’s attacking nous would be a waste. Regardless of the system the Reds deploy, the Scottish international appears set to don his hat with gusto and make a difference.
More Liverpool News
- Manager Jurgen Klopp ‘urging’ Liverpool to sign Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella
- Liverpool confirm four exits including Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and James Milner
- Eddie Howe does not feel Newcastle United are being “hunted” down by Liverpool in top-four race
Bringing in the right midfielders should give the Reds more balance in the middle of the park. It should also give them a better shield to protect the defence, enabling players like Robertson to get forward with more abandon. It remains to be seen how he and Liverpool will evolve further in the upcoming pre-season.
